Best Week for European Stocks in 3 Years

MADRID—European stocks rose Friday, as comments from the German and French leaders reinforced expectations that a credible plan to tackle the euro-zone debt crisis may be announced soon.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index added 0.9% to close at 240.73, its fourth gain of the week. It jumped 8.7% over five sessions, its best weekly showing in three years. Banks and car stocks led the gains.

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